User releasable and adjustable blood pressure cuff and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for obtaining blood pressure measurements employing a user releasable and adjustable blood pressure cuff. In one aspect of the invention, the blood pressure cuff apparatus consists of a first cuff member connected to a mounting surface and rotatable about a first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface. The first cuff member is connected to a second cuff member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the first. A blood pressure cuff comprised of a loop adapted to receive the arm of a test subject is connected to the second cuff member. In another aspect of the invention, the elongated flexible band has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the second member of the cuff housing, and the second end is connected to a cuff retainer. The cuff retainer is releasibly latchable from the second member so that the elongated flexible band forms a loop to snugly fit the arm of the test subject with a first circumferential length when the cuff retainer is latched. When the cuff retainer is unlatched, the elongated flexible band forms a loop with a second circumferential length, which allows the arm of the test subject to be easily withdrawn.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to blood pressure measurements, and moreparticularly to a blood pressure cuff that may be easily installedaround the arm and released.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hypertension in adults is regarded as a significant health risksince the symptoms of the disease are not apparent to the individual.The presence of the disease in the individual may therefore remainhidden until a catastrophic health event, such as a heart attack, or astroke occurs. Fortunately, initial diagnosis of the condition is easilyaccomplished by a simple blood pressure measurement. Consequently,automatic blood pressure monitoring stations have become widelyavailable to the general public that allow blood pressure measurementsto be self-administered. An example of one such system is the VITA-STAT™blood pressure monitoring station manufactured by Spacelabs Medical,Inc. of Redmond, Wash., which is shown in U.S. Pat. No. D-371,844 toSadritabrizi, et al. Briefly, the VITA-STAT™ station consists of akiosk, in which a test subject can be accommodated in a sittingposition. The test subject then places an upper arm into a bloodpressure cuff apparatus that constricts the flow of blood in an arteryto obtain blood pressure measurements at systole and diastole. Aprocessor accepts and processes blood pressure signals obtained from thecuff apparatus during the examination, and subsequently displays theprocessed information to the test subject on a monitoring device.

[0003] A significant difficulty encountered in self-administered bloodpressure measurements is the application of the blood pressure cuff tothe test subject. The flat, flexible cuff commonly associated with thesphygmomanometer is particularly unsuited for use in automatic bloodpressure monitoring stations, since the application of the flexible cuffaround the arm of the test subject is difficult to accomplish withoutassistance. Moreover, once properly positioned, it must be secured intoplace by hooks, elastic bands, or specialized fasteners such as VELCRO™.As a consequence, a number of automatic cuff devices have been developedfor use with automatic blood pressure monitoring stations. An example ofa self-installing cuff apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,646to Keller, which uses a motor-driven rotating drum to continuously wrapa blood pressure band onto a limb of a test subject that is placedwithin the drum. Removal of the blood pressure band from the testsubject is accomplished by reversing the motor. A similar technique isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,206,765 to Huber, which uses a motor driventensioning drum to tension the blood pressure band around the limb of atest subject. A slip clutch is provided to prevent over tensioning ofthe blood pressure band during the application of the band to the testsubject. U.S. Pat. No. 3,935,984 to Lichowsky, et al., uses a mechanicalcable wrapped around the blood pressure band to snug the band tightlyabout the arm of the test subject. Release of the test subject's arm issimilarly accomplished by reversing the direction of the motor.

[0004] A significant shortcoming of these prior art devices is that theyrely on a blood pressure band tensioning means that requires a bloodpressure band tensioning drive motor and mechanism, which adds to thecost and complexity of the blood pressure monitoring station. Further,since the tensioning means is motor driven, some means must be providedto allow the test subject to release the blood pressure cuff in theevent of a power failure, or to protect the test subject fromover-tensioning the band due to system malfunctions. The releasemechanisms employed in prior art devices have not, in general,adequately addressed these abnormal operating conditions. Additionally,a particular shortcoming present in the prior art devices is that thereis no provision for a release mechanism that allows the band tension andthe pneumatic pressure in the band to be released simultaneously througha user actuated release.

[0005] The self-installing cuff used with the VITA-STAT™ blood pressuremonitoring station mentioned previously does not rely on a motor driventensioning means to snug the blood pressure band about the arm. Instead,the arm is tightly confined within a fixedly mounted cylindrical housingthat retains the inflatable blood pressure band. The use of acylindrical, non-resilient member to retain the inflatable band also hassome drawbacks. A limit on the maximum cylinder diameter exists becausethe blood pressure band must achieve adequate snugness prior toinflation. Since the cylinder diameter is generally sized according tomedian estimates of upper arm diameter, some individuals may find thatthe cylindrical cuff apparatus simply cannot accommodate them. In othercases, some individuals may damage the flexible blood pressure bandinside the cylinder by unsuccessfully attempting to insert their upperarms into the cylinder, which may render the blood pressure cuffapparatus unusable, or cause it to yield inaccurate measurements. Stillother individuals may misalign the upper arm with the cylindricalhousing so that a successful inflation of the blood pressure band isimpeded, resulting in an erroneous blood pressure reading. Finally, someindividuals may find the insertion of the arm into a closed cylindricalmember that subjects the arm to a constriction too psychologicallyintimidating to use.

[0006] A further drawback present in all prior art cuff devices is thatthey lack an ergonomic adjustment feature. Typically, automatic bloodpressure devices, such as the VITA-STAT™ blood pressure monitoringstation, accommodate the test subject in a seated position whileundergoing a blood pressure test. Since the orientation of the cuffassembly cannot be adjusted, the test subject must make suitableadjustments in body position to properly align the arm in the cuffassembly prior to inflation of the internal band, and maintain the armin the aligned position until the blood pressure evaluation is complete.As a consequence, individuals whose bodily dimensions significantlydiffer from median estimates cannot be accommodated by the bloodpressure cuff in a comfortable manner.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a cuff assembly thatdoes not use a motor driven band tensioning devices to tension the bandprior to inflation, and that provides a cuff release capability to agreater degree than present in prior art devices. Further, there is alsoa need in the art for a cuff apparatus that does not rely on a confiningcylindrical member to retain the inflatable band. Finally, the cuffassembly should provide an ergonomic adjustment capability that willpermit the proper alignment of the blood pressure cuff with the arm tobe conveniently attained during a blood pressure measurement, which, atthe same time, enhances the comfort of the test subject.

[0008] Other advantages of the invention will become apparent based uponthe description of the invention provided below when read with referenceto the drawing figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus forobtaining blood pressure measurements employing a user releasable andadjustable blood pressure cuff. In one aspect of the invention, theblood pressure cuff apparatus consists of a first cuff member connectedto a mounting surface and rotatable about a first axis of rotationsubstantially perpendicular to the mounting surface. The first cuffmember is connected to a second cuff member that is rotatable about asecond axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to thefirst. A blood pressure cuff comprised of a loop adapted to receive thearm of a test subject is connected to the second cuff member. In anotheraspect of the invention, the elongated flexible band has a first end anda second end. The first end is connected to the second member of thecuff housing, and the second end is connected to a cuff retainer. Thecuff retainer is releasibly latchable from the second member so that theelongated flexible band forms a loop to snugly fit the arm of the testsubject with a first circumferential length when the cuff retainer islatched. When the cuff retainer is unlatched, the elongated flexibleband forms a loop with a second circumferential length, which allows thearm of the test subject to be easily withdrawn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a frontal isometric view of one embodiment of the userreleasable and adjustable automatic cuff apparatus.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a frontal isometric view the embodiment of the userreleasable and adjustable automatic cuff apparatus shown in FIG. 1 withthe release mechanism shown in the open position.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view the embodiment of the userreleasable and adjustable automatic cuff apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view the embodiment of the userreleasable and adjustable automatic cuff apparatus shown in FIG. 1 withthe release mechanism shown in the open position and the inner housingremoved to show internal details.

[0014]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the embodiment of the userreleasable and adjustable automatic cuff apparatus in FIG. 1 shownreceiving an upper arm for a blood pressure determination.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view of an alternative embodiment ofthe user releasable and adjustable automatic cuff apparatus.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a frontal isometric view of an alternative embodiment ofthe user releasable and adjustable automatic cuff apparatus.

[0017] In the drawings, like reference numbers identify similar elementsor steps. For ease in identifying the discussion of any particularelement, the most significant digit in a reference number refers to theFigure number in which the element is first introduced (e.g., element 24is first introduced and discussed with respect to FIG. 2).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] For purposes of the following description, the terms “upper”,“lower”, “front” and “back” and relative terms of similar referenceshall refer to the orientation of the invention a shown in FIGS. 1through 7, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Specificdimensions and other physical characteristics related to differentembodiments are not to be considered as limiting unless the claimsexpressly state otherwise.

[0019]FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the user releasable andadjustable blood pressure cuff according to the invention. The bloodpressure cuff 10 includes an elongated flexible band 11 with inner andouter surface layers. The band 11 also has a plurality ofair-impermeable compartments (not shown) between the inner and outersurface layers that can be connected to a pressurization source to allowthe band 11 to be inflated prior to a blood pressure measurement. Theelongated flexible band 11 is preferably formed of layers of a durablewoven fabric such as nylon, and the air impermeable compartments locatedbetween the inner and outer layers are preferably retained in positionby stitching. Alternatively, other structures could be used to form theband 11, such as fabricating the band 11 from rubber-impregnatedfabrics, or from entirely non-woven resilient materials such aselastomers. The band 11 may also be fabricated as a single structure,with the air impermeable compartments formed within the band.

[0020] Still referring to FIG. 1, the blood pressure cuff 10 furtherincludes an outer housing 13, and an inner housing 14 that arerotationally connected to allow ergonomic adjustment to the testsubject. A swivel plate 15, which is rotationally connected to the innerhousing 14, provides additional rotational flexibility. The rotationalrelationship between the outer cuff housing 13, the inner cuff housing14 and the swivel plate 15 will subsequently be described in greaterdetail in connection with other figures. The outer cuff housing 13 is abox like structure having top and bottom sides, and having a back side,which is preferably open. The back side of the outer cuff housing 13 isadapted to receive an inner cuff housing 14, so that inner cuff housing14 can be at least partially recessed within the outer cuff housing 13.The inner cuff housing 14 is similarly a boxlike structure with top andbottom sides, an open front side (not shown) and a back side. When innercuff housing 14 is recessed within outer cuff housing 13, an enclosureis formed which contains internal elements of the apparatus, that willbe discussed more fully in connection with a subsequent figure.

[0021] With reference now to FIG. 2, a first end of the band 11 isattached to the outer cuff housing 13 by metal retainer strips 23 whichare held in place by screws. The other end of the band 11 is similarlyattached by metal retainer strips 46 (as best seen in FIG. 4) to thecuff retainer 12, to form the loop 19. Although the retainer strips 23and 46 securely hold the ends of the band to the outer cuff housing 13and the cuff retainer 12 by clamping means, other means for attachingthe band 11 to the outer cuff housing 13 and to the cuff retainer 12 arepossible.

[0022] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cuff retainer 12 is locatedon the top side of the outer cuff housing 13 and is held in a positionadjoining outer housing 13 by a latching mechanism (not shown). When thecuff retainer 12 is latched to the top side of the outer cuff housing13, the loop 19 has a minimum circumferential length so that the band 11forms a snug fit about the arm of the test subject. As shown in FIG. 2,where the elongated flexible band 11 has been partially cut away, thecuff retainer 12 is free to translate away from the top of the outercuff housing 13 when the cuff retainer 12 is released. As a result, thecircumferential length of the loop 19 increases when the cuff retainer12 is in the released state, which allows the test subject additionalfreedom of movement during withdrawal of the limb.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, where the cuff retainer 12 isshown in the unlatched state, the cuff retainer is supported by a pairof support rods 22 securely attached to the under side of cuff retainer12. The support rods 22 slide through access holes 27 and through linearbearings 40 to restrict the cuff retainer 12 to vertical movementrelative to the outer cuff housing 13. The cuff retainer 12 furtherincludes a release knob 17, which allows manual release of the cuffretainer 12 from a latched condition when actuated. The releasemechanism will be described in more detail in connection with subsequentfigures.

[0024] Although the support rods 22 as shown in FIG. 2 are securelyattached to the cuff retainer 12, other support rod configurations arepossible. For example, the cuff retainer 12 may be supported by a singlesupport rod, which has a longitudinal surface groove that engages a keyin the outer cuff housing 13 to prevent rotation of the cuff retainer 12relative to the outer cuff housing 13 when the cuff retainer 12 isreleased. Alternatively, more than two support rods may also be used.Still another configuration may be obtained when the support rods aresecurely attached to the outer cuff housing, with the cuff retainer 12sliding along the stationary support rods when the cuff retainer isreleased.

[0025] Turning now to FIG. 3, the rotational relationship between theouter cuff housing 13 and the inner cuff housing 14 and the swivel plate15 will now be discussed. With the inner cuff housing 14 recessed intothe outer cuff housing 13, the inner cuff housing 14 and the outer cuffhousing 13 are preferably connected by a pair of pivot screws 31 whichare inserted through the top and bottom sides of the outer cuff housing13 to engage threads in adjacent holes in the inner cuff housing 14.Rotational movement between the outer cuff housing 13 and inner cuffhousing 14 about an axis 33 that projects through the centerline of thepivot screws 31 is thus attained. Since the rotational axis 33 is shownat an intermediate position along the length of the outer cuff housing13, a clearance bevel 35 is formed in the outer cuff housing 13 topermit rotation of the outer cuff housing 13 about the axis 33. The backside of the inner cuff housing 14 is connected to swivel base 15 by ascrew 32 (not shown). The swivel plate 15 is a thin, flat member withattachment holes 35 to permit secure attachment to a fixed support. Anaccess hole 30 is provided in the swivel base 15 to allow routing ofelectrical wiring and pneumatic tubing from an external monitoringdevice (not shown) into the interior of the enclosure formed by theouter cuff housing 13 and inner cuff housing 14. The screw 32 permitsrotational movement of the inner cuff housing 14 relative to the swivelplate 15 about an axis 34, which is substantially perpendicular to theaxis 33. Accordingly, rotational motion of the blood pressure cuff 10about the mutually perpendicular axes 33 and 34 provides the bloodpressure cuff 10 with an ergonomic adjustment feature that allows theblood pressure cuff 10 to be conveniently adjusted to the test subject'sbody position when the upper arm of the test subject is inserted intothe loop 19.

[0026] Although the present embodiment preferably uses pivot screws 31and a swivel plate 15 to attain rotational movement about the mutuallyperpendicular axes 33 and 34, other equally feasible means are availablefor establishing these rotational relationships. For example, a hingepin could be substituted for the pivot screws 31 to allow rotation ofthe outer cuff housing 13 about axis 33. Rotation of the inner cuffhousing about axis 34 may also be obtained when the screw 32 is alsoused to in mount the blood pressure cuff 10 to a fixed support, thuseliminating the swivel plate 15.

[0027] Internal components of the blood pressure apparatus 10 will nowbe described with reference to FIG. 4. In order to view these internalcomponents, FIG. 4 shows the blood pressure apparatus 10 with the innercuff housing 14 and swivel plate 15 removed, and also shows the cuffretainer 12 in the unlatched state for clarity. FIG. 4 shows pneumaticpressure relief components located within the blood pressure cuff 10which allow pressurized air contained within the band 11 to be exhaustedto the surroundings when the cuff retainer 12 is moved from the latchedstate to the released state. An electrical switch 26, located within thehousing 39 is connected by a wire 44 to an electrically actuated valve41, which is, in turn, connected to a source of electrical energythrough wire 46. When the cuff retainer 12 is moved from the latchedstate to the released state, the electrical switch 26 located in thehousing 39 is moved to a relaxed state, which causes the electricallyactuated valve 41 to open. Pressurized air held within the band 11 isthus released from the band 11 through the flexible tube 42, where it isexhausted to the surroundings through the valve 41. Actuation of theswitch 26 may additionally be used to provide an indication to themonitoring station that the band 11 is snug about the arm of the testsubject, and flexible band is ready to be inflated.

[0028] Alternative approaches may be used to release pressurized airwithin the band 11 when the cuff retainer 12 is unlatched. For example,a mechanical valve which is opened by a mechanical linkage attached tocuff retainer 12 may be substituted for the electrical componentsdescribed above, thus eliminating the need for a source of electricalenergy. Further, where electrical components are used, alternativecircuit designs are possible. For example, the electrical switch 26 maybe of the normally closed, or normally open type. Similarly, theelectrically actuated valve 41 may be in the open state when electricalenergy is applied, or when it is removed, depending on the configurationof the electric circuit.

[0029] Still referring to FIG. 4, the latching mechanism will now bedescribed. Attached to cuff retainer 12 is a latching mechanism 45 witha spring-loaded pawl 47. When the cuff retainer 12 is moved to thelatched position (as shown in FIG. 1), the pawl 47 engages an aperture25 to latch the cuff retainer 12 securely to the outer cuff housing 13.When the pawl 47 is engaged with the aperture 25, the latching mechanism45 is concealed within a recess 24 (best seen in FIG. 2) in the linearbearing assembly 40. When the latching mechanism 45 is concealed in therecess 24, the latching mechanism 45 also engages and actuates theelectrical switch 26.

[0030] Alternatives to the mechanical latching mechanism 45 areavailable, and may be substituted for the mechanical device shown. Forexample, an electrically actuated latching device, such as aspring-loaded solenoid latch, may replace the mechanical latchingmechanism 45. Still other means, such as pneumatic latching mechanisms,may also be used.

[0031] FIGS. 5(a) and (b) illustrate the operation of the blood pressurecuff 10 during a blood pressure measurement. As shown in FIG. 5(a), anupper arm 50 of a test subject is inserted into the circumferential loopformed by the band 11, while the remainder of the arm rests on asupporting surface 52. The cuff retainer 12 is also shown in thereleased state, with the support rods 22 fully extended from the outercuff housing 13. When the cuff retainer 12 is in the released state, thecircumferential length of the loop 19 formed by the band 11 is increasedby approximately a length 51, which affords the test subject additionalfreedom of movement within the loop 19. In preparation for the bloodpressure determination, the test subject may adjust the orientation ofthe band 11 through manual manipulations about the two independent axesof rotation 33 and 34 to accommodate his body position. Before ameasurement can be made, the cuff retainer 12 must be moved to thelatched condition, as shown in FIG. 5(b). At this point, the band 11 isheld snugly about the upper arm 50, and the electrical switch 26 (notshown in FIG. 5) has been actuated by the latching mechanism 45 (alsonot shown in FIG. 5) causing the electrically actuated valve 41 toclose. Upon commencement of the blood pressure measurement, the band 11is inflated by a pneumatic source, which causes constriction of theblood flow in an artery within the upper arm 50. When the flow is fullyconstricted, air is bled from the band 11 at a controlled rate,whereupon systolic and diastolic determinations are made by conventionalmeans. At the conclusion of the measurement, the test subject actuatesthe release knob 17 to allow the cuff retainer 12 to move to thereleased state. Since the electrical switch 26 is moved to thedeactivated state when the cuff retainer 12 is released, the electricalswitch 26 causes the electrically actuated valve 41 (not shown in FIG.5) to depressurize the band 11. If it is desired to terminate the bloodpressure evaluation prior to completion, the test subject may actuatethe release knob 17 at any time to simultaneously release the cuffretainer 12 and depressurize the band 11.

[0032]FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. Inthis embodiment, the cuff retainer 12 is allowed to translate alongguide surfaces 51 in a direction 52 when cuff retainer 12 is in thereleased state in order to permit the test subject to remove his arm.The released state affords the test subject additional freedom ofmovement by increasing the circumferential length of the loop by alength 53. As in the previous embodiment, release of the cuff retainer12 will simultaneously deactivate an electrical switch (not shown inFIG. 6), or other similar means, to depressurize the band 11.

[0033]FIG. 7 illustrates still another alternative embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, the cuff retainer 12 coincides with thetop surface of outer cuff housing 13. Actuation of release knob 17allows a slidable member 71 to translate along guide surfaces 72 in adirection 73 in order to increase the circumferential length of the loopby a length 74. As in the previous embodiments, actuation of the releaseknob 17 will simultaneously deactivate an electrical switch (not shownin FIG. 7), or other similar means, to depressurize the band 11.

[0034] The above description of illustrated embodiments of the inventionis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples of,the invention are described in the foregoing for illustrative purposes,various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope theinvention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.Moreover, the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not limitedby the disclosure, but instead the scope of the invention is to bedetermined entirely by the following claims.

1. A pneumatic blood pressure cuff apparatus for blood pressuremeasurements, comprising: a first cuff member rotatably connected to amounting surface and rotatable about a first axis of rotationsubstantially perpendicular to the mounting surface; a second cuffmember rotatably connected to the first member and rotatable about asecond axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the first axis;and an elongated inflatable flexible band of predetermined lengthforming a loop connected to the second cuff member, the loop beingadapted to receive a limb.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidfirst member is further comprised of a swivel plate adapted to beattached to a support surface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidfirst member and said second member are rotatably connected using ahinge.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first cuff member isfurther comprised of an inner cuff housing with a front side adapted toattach the loop, and the second cuff member is further comprised of anouter cuff housing with back side adapted to attach the swivel plate,the inner cuff housing being adapted to be at least partially recessedwithin the outer cuff housing to form an enclosure.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4 wherein the inner cuff housing and outer cuff housing arefurther comprised of a top and a bottom side, the outer cuff housingbeing rotatively coupled to the inner cuff housing by a first pivotscrew projecting from the top side of the inner cuff housing through thetop side of the outer cuff housing, and a second pivot screw projectingfrom the bottom side of the inner cuff housing through the bottom sideof the outer cuff housing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidelongated flexible band is comprised of an air-impermeable fabric. 7.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elongated flexible band iscomprised of an air-impermeable elastomer.
 8. A pneumatic blood pressurecuff apparatus for blood pressure measurements, comprising: an elongatedflexible band of predetermined length adapted to be inflated, the lengthhaving a first and a second end; a cuff housing attached to a first endof the elongated flexible band; and a cuff retainer connected to thesecond end of the elongated flexible band, the cuff retainer beingreleasably latchable to the cuff housing, wherein the elongated flexibleband forms a loop with a first circumferential length when the cuffretainer is in a latched state, and the elongated flexible band forms aloop with a second circumferential length when in the unlatched state,the second circumferential length being greater than the firstcircumferential length.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the cuffretainer is slidably connected to the cuff housing.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein the slidable connection is further comprised of at leastone linear guide track adapted to permit translation of the cuffretainer relative to the cuff housing when the cuff retainer is in theunlatched state.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cuff housingis further comprised of a top surface, and the at least one linear guidetrack is attached to the top surface of the cuff housing and adapted topermit translation of the cuff retainer relative to the top surface ofthe cuff housing when the cuff retainer is in the unlatched state. 12.The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cuff housing is further comprisedof a front surface, and the at least one linear guide track is attachedto the front surface of the cuff housing and adapted to permittranslation of the cuff retainer relative to the front surface of thecuff housing when the cuff retainer is in the unlatched state.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the cuff retainer is further comprised of abottom surface with at least one support rod attached to the bottomsurface and projecting away from the cuff retainer in a substantiallyperpendicular direction, and the cuff housing is further comprised of atop surface with at least one linear bearing adapted to receive the atleast one support rod, wherein the at least one support rod and the atleast one linear bearing form a slidable connection permitting the cuffretainer to translate away from the cuff housing when the cuff retaineris in the unlatched state.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the cuffhousing is further comprised of a top surface with at least one supportrod attached to the top surface and projecting away from the cuffhousing in a substantially perpendicular direction, and the cuffretainer is further comprised of a bottom surface with at least onelinear bearing adapted to receive the at least one support rod, whereinthe at least one support rod and the at least one linear bearing form aslidable connection permitting the cuff retainer to translate away fromthe cuff housing when the cuff retainer is in the unlatched state. 15.The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the cuff retainer is further comprisedof a latching mechanism having an actuator connected to the latchingmechanism and the cuff housing is further comprised of a receiveradapted to latchably engage the latching mechanism when the cuffretainer is in the latched position.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15wherein the latching mechanism is further comprised of a pawl, and thereceiver is an aperture adapted to latchably engage the pawl.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 15 wherein the actuator is further comprised of amanual release knob accessible to the user.
 18. The apparatus of claim15 wherein the latching mechanism is further comprised of anelectrically actuated solenoid.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15 whereinthe latching mechanism is further comprised of a pneumatically actuatedair cylinder.
 20. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the cuff housing isfurther comprised of a pneumatic release valve connected to theelongated flexible band which rapidly depressurizes the inflated bandwhen the cuff retainer is released from the latched state.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein the pneumatic release valve is furthercomprised of an electrically actuated valve that permits the inflatedband to be rapidly depressurized when an electrical switch is actuated.22. A pneumatic blood pressure cuff apparatus for blood pressuremeasurements, comprising: an elongated flexible band of predeterminedwidth and length, the length having a first and a second end, theelongated flexible band having at least one air impermeable compartmentadapted to be inflated; a cuff housing with a first side and a secondside, the first side being rotatably mounted to a mounting surface andcapable of a first rotation about a first axis of rotation substantiallyperpendicular to the mounting surface, and a second side which ishingeably connected to the first side and capable of a second rotationabout a second axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to saidfirst axis, wherein the first and second rotations allow the apparatusto be ergonomically adjusted to a limb of a test subject; a cuffretainer releasably connected to the second side of the cuff housing andhaving a latched state and a released state, the cuff retainer beingattached to the second end of the elongated flexible band to form a loopwith a first circumferential length for snugly receiving a limb when thecuff retainer is in the latched state and forming a loop with a secondcircumferential length which is larger than the first when the cuffretainer is in the released state; and a cuff release connected to thecuff retainer to select the latched state and the released state. 23.The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the first side is further comprised ofan inner cuff housing and the second side is further comprised of anouter cuff housing, the inner cuff housing being at least partiallyrecessible within the outer cuff housing, wherein the inner cuff housingand the outer cuff housing are pivotally connected to form the secondaxis of rotation.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the inner cuffhousing is further comprised of a swivel plate that forms the first axisof rotation, which is further adapted to be mounted to a fixed surface.25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the cuff retainer is furthercomprised of a bottom side having at least one support rod projectingsubstantially perpendicular therefrom, and the outer cuff housing has atleast one linear bearing adapted to receive the at least one supportrod, the support rod and the linear bearing thus allowing the the cuffretainer to move away from the outer cuff housing when the cuff retaineris in the released state.
 26. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the cuffrelease is further comprised of a latching mechanism with a pawl adaptedto latchably engage an aperture on the second member adapted to receivethe pawl.
 27. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said cuff release isfurther comprised of a latching mechanism with a pawl on said secondmember adapted to latchably engage a member on said cuff retaineradapted to receive said pawl.
 28. A method of measuring blood pressurewith a user positionable and releasable pneumatic blood pressure cuffapparatus, comprising: positioning a blood pressure cuff on the limb ofa test subject by contemporaneously manipulating the blood pressure cuffabout a first axis of rotation, and a second axis of rotationsubstantially perpendicular to said first axis, the contemporaneousmanipulation allowing the apparatus to be adaptibly adjusted to the bodyposition of the test subject; supplying a pressurized fluid to theinflatable flexible band until the flow of blood in an artery of thetest subject is fully constricted; band; detecting the flow of bloodthrough an artery in the test subject as the pressurized fluid escapesfrom the inflatable flexible band to make a blood pressure measurement;releasing the blood pressure cuff apparatus from the limb of a testsubject by simultaneously increasing the circumferential length of theinflatable flexible band and releasing the pressurized fluid.
 29. Themethod of claim 28 further comprising the step of inserting the limb inthe loop and latching an end of the loop to the blood pressure cuffapparatus to confine the limb snugly, and contemporaneously manipulatingthe apparatus about the first and second axes of rotation to adaptiblyadjust the blood pressure cuff apparatus to the test subject's bodyposition.
 30. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step ofunlatching an end of the loop and translating the end away from bloodpressure cuff apparatus.
 31. The method of claim 28 wherein the step ofreleasing is further comprised of actuating a pneumatic release valve torelease said pressurized fluid.
 32. The method of claim 28 wherein thestep of releasing is further comprised of manipulating a manual releaseaccessible to the test subject.
 33. The method of claim 28 wherein thestep of releasing is further comprised of determining the completion ofthe blood pressure test, and signaling the test subject to manipulatethe manual release.